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Yes, our views sure change as we age.

My mother had always said much the same - she did not want to live that old and be in that condition, etc., etc. Yet, a few years ago, in trying to help her fill out the nursing home Living Will, I asked if she would want resusitation should something happen. Her reply? "Of course, wouldn't anyone?"

I've come to learn that it is too hard to judge the life quality of others, except those in extreme pain.

Why? Because God gave us the ability to adapt. The cripple adapts to being a cripple and ceases to enjoy running, etc. because he can't and those actions are not comfortable any longer. We come to want activities that we enjoy and this enjoyment changes as our abilities change.

Therefore, possibly the retarded person is happy even though they can do none of the things we feel cause happiness. The aged are content in their memories, their food, their comforts - not in traveling, not in working.

Best to leave end of life judgement to God who does understand all.

You have said it better than any I've read in a long time. I broke my ankle a year ago and was bedridden for a month. After that I was allowed to move with a walker. Mind you at that time of year it was Christmas, and everyone I knew couldn't believe how well I handled my infirmity, saying they would go crazy if it had been them. Well, I tell you, I learned so much from those few months of injury and rehab. Everything is changed to me! And even though I still don't have all of my motion back (most of it is), I can never go back to "living" from my previous point of view. My life HAS changed, but in my opinion, it's gotten better! I now appreciate the small things much more so than I used to. I am not hindered by the things I used to be preoccupied with. What's important has changed. Terri's life to me is so valuable and precious, even if she never got any "healthier". I wish that those who agree with Michael could understand this. Maybe they'd change their minds.